Russia: Anzhi Slip Up Again as CSKA Extend Lead to 8 Points

Anzhi were consigned to a debilitating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Krasnodar. The defeat means they slip to 3rd place and even further behind leaders CSKA meaning any remaining title hopes for Hiddink’s side may have been dashed. Wanderson got a hat trick for the home side, his first coming in the 33rd minute with a neat finish from Vladislav Ignatiev’s cross. His compatriot Joaozinho scored the second 2 minutes after half time after escaping from the lacklustre Anzhi defence. Joaozinho then turned provider for Wanderson to get his second, a simple ball in from the right wing was met by the Brazilian’s head and made it 3-0. Wanderson completed his hat trick with a minute of normal time remaining with another simple header past Gabulov.

Anzhi’s defence were often slow to react and failed to deal with simple crosses of which Krasnodar took full advantage.

Elsewhere CSKA beat bottom side Alania 4-0 in Vladikavkaz on Monday evening. The match was controlled by Vagner Love after he assisted Dzagoev’s opener with a square ball from inside the area on 25 minutes. Love then scored himself on 52 minutes before winning a penalty after a foul from Vranjes, he then stepped up himself to get his second of the game. Seydou Doumbia returned to the squad after being out since August and proved that he doesn’t even need to be near match fitness by taking advantage of Vranjes’ mistake and firing in from the edge of the area.

Zenit were also convincing winners with a 3-0 win over Terek in the moved game in Makhachkala. They were ahead within 8 minutes as Axel Witsel was left unmarked to head home from Hulk’s corner. Alexander Kerzhakov then won a penalty for Zenit, he stepped up but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Yaroslav Godzyur. Terek left back received Dmitry Kudryashov a straight red card after pulling back Kerzhakov who looked to be in on goal. Defender Bruno Alves and veteran midfielder Konstantin Zyrynov got the other goals to move Zenit up to second, 8 points behind leaders CSKA.

Rubin beat struggling Lokomotiv 2-0 in Kazan. Bibras Natcho got the first 5 minutes before half time with Dyadyun getting the second after a counter attack, 3 minutes before the end. Rubin have now only suffered 2 defeats in their last 10 league games and sit in the Europa League places that many teams are so desperately after. Lokomotiv are without a win in 4 games and are under-performing in 10th, 5 points off a European place.

Dinamo Moscow continued their very good run of form with a 1-0 win over Rostov. Kevin Kuranyi getting the only goal of the game with his 7th of the season. Dinamo are 1 point off the Europa League places but there are 4 teams separated by 1 point with Rubin and Spartak occupying 4th and 5th.

Spartak played out a 2-2 draw at the Kuzhniki against Kuban. Spartak went ahead after Charles Kabore put into his own net despite being under no pressure. Kuban then equalised with a wonderful 35 yard goal from Aras Ozbiiz which left Spartak keeper Pesyakov stranded. Kuban were then ahead just 7 minutes later with Bucur cutting inside and curling the ball into the far corner. Spartak equalised in the 82nd minute when Jurado volleyed in from the edge of the area. A draw probably a fair result for both sides.

Down at the bottom Volga drew 1-1 with fellow strugglers Amkar, Georgi Peev and Alexey Sapogov both converting penalties. A draw didn’t benefit either side who were both looking to put some space between them and the relegation play off places.
Elsewhere Mordovia pulled off a much needed victory with a 2-0 win against Krylya in Samara. Daniel Oprita and Ruslan Mukhametshin getting the goals before half time. Mordovia are still in the relegation zone but there is only 2 points between them are Krylya above them in the play off.